A showcase from Cersaie 2012

“Stonehouse” by Century has been inspired by the aesthetics of split stone and characterized by a balanced mix of veining and color tones that enhance the natural and sophisticated effects of the surface. Available in four highly versatile colors — White, Grey, Taupe and Moka — “Stonehouse” is made in four modular sizes, 30 x 60, 60 x 60, 45 x 90 and 60 x 120 cm, all with natural surface and rectified edge.

As an addition to their SistemC line, Marazzi introduces “Citta” wall tiles. The line brings striking 4- x 12-inch strips that generate visual contrast and alluring linear dimensionality for commercial walls. The array of 15 colors in a matte palette integrates smoothly with other elements in the Marazzi Architectural program, facilitating high levels of design flexibility. All feature accompanying bull nose trim, plus 13 are also available in three-dimensional decorative inserts that can either stand-alone or integrate with field tile to generate eye-catching patterns.

The “Area25” collection from Mosaico+ is the one that closest resembles pure color. The chips in sintered glass transform the abstract concept of color into concrete mosaic surfaces for floors or any other type of interior decorating project. Carlo Dal Bianco, with a striking reinterpretation of the collection, has created new proposals that expand and complete the range. “Area25” mosaic collection has been improved with the introduction of some interesting pattern.

The Roca Tile Group, a Tile of Spain-branded manufacturer, launched its large-format tiles with an attractive stone grain, which is manufactured with leading green technology and features 80% recycled material. Magnum large-format cement/stone-look tiles will also be introduced in 80- x 80-cm and 40- x 80-cm sizes.

Trend’s “Peacock White” collection is based on the late-antiquity mosaic tradition, both in terms of subject matter and in the way it is designed. To make these new artistic decorations, Trend has used special software which translates the images into mosaics and makes the production of personalized decorations possible by exploiting precise operating techniques. The artistic decorations are made with 1- x 1-cm size tesserae obtained using a percentage of post-consumption recycled glass.

“Wallpaper” by Ceramica Bardelli was created with experimentation in mind, like when you test different colors on bare plaster, before painting an empty room. Lots of brushstrokes daubed next to each other, and then you take a step back to see the effect. There are many ways in which it could have started, but what’s certain is that there’s something special about this collage of wallpaper fragments which casually fit together to create a vast ceramic patchwork.

“Habitat” by Imola Ceramica is designed to finish domestic spaces with a simple elegance, due to its wide range of formats — six in total, from 10 x 10 cm to 60 x 60 cm. Its versatility lies in its ability to adapt to various contexts and furnishing styles, with striking and unique decorations such as Greek key, squares and floral patterns. The six colors available range from the warm classic shades of gray, as far as black and the brightest white.

Manufactured with naturally extruded ceramic in white body stoneware, the “Provenza” series from Tile of Spain branded manufacturer Exagres can be used indoors or outdoors. This highly durable and resistant tile includes pieces for stairs and corners.

“Cottage Wood” is the brand new line of porcelain floor tiles by Fioranese. The wood look of the collection is inspired by a wide range of rustic surfaces as they appear in nature, which the company’s technology makes it possible to reproduce in pieces that are different from one another. The tiles come in 15- x 90-cm and 13- x 61-cm sizes, in four colors — Cenere (pictured), Noce, Ruggine and Brunito — and in a rustic or natural finish. Coordinated mosaics and special trims are also available.

Tile of Spain-branded manufacturer Keraben showcased its “NYC” Collection. Using color, light and chaos of the city as inspiration, the collection is full of highly original, sophisticated interior design ideas, which allow ceramic tiles to demonstrate their decorative potential.

Drytek® Flooring Solutions floor leveling systems are the newest line of innovative products from Laticrete International, Inc. They are fast-drying, have super lightweight systems for deep fills where load limitations are an issue, use materials that offer sound control for floor-ceiling assemblies and are fiber-reinforced compounds for use in areas of high deflection. Also attractive and functional wear-surface cements for use in retail environments and available in skim coat and patch cements for quick repairs.

The “Cosmos” collection from Levantina is a stylish and innovative collection containing metal inlays that not only bring brightness but also glamour and elegance to interior design. “Cosmos” is suitable for wall covering and is available in three different colors: Cosmos Neu, Cosmos Black and Cosmos Black Capuccino (pictured).

Last fall, Cersaie 2012, the annual International Tile and Bath Exhibition, celebrated its 30th anniversary in Bologna, Italy. The exhibition dazzled as tile manufacturers from around the world came to introduce their newest collections. Highlighted at the show were the current trends in ceramic tile — wood-look and stone-look ceramic tiles were predominant on the show floor as each manufacturer featured their own take on the trend. Listed above is just a sampling of the many new tile lines that were on display. SEE SLIDESHOW

Kelly Crowley has four years experience in book publishing. In March 2012, she joined Stone World Magazine as Associate Editor and has transitioned to magazine publishing. She will also be seen writing for Stone World’s sister publications, TILE Magazine and Contemporary Stone & Tile Design.